Tamper-resistant chemical sampling

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for a tamper-resistant collection and retention a chemical sample. In one embodiment, the tamper-resistant system comprises a container operable to collect and retain a chemical sample, a tamper-resistant mechanism operable to disengage at a first chemical sample to allow for a collection of a chemical sample, wherein the tamper-resistant mechanism is operable to record one or more of: a date, a time, and a location, of the chemical sample during the collection of the chemical sample, and wherein the tamper-resistant mechanism is further operable to re-engage and lock after the collection of the chemical sample to resist subsequent chemical samples after the first chemical sampling.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/016,739, filed on Jun. 25, 2014, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs), commonly known as chemical weapons, area class of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) designed to kill and harmlarge numbers of victims. Unlike conventional weapons that rely onexplosive force, CWAs rely on the toxicity of chemical components toharm humans, agriculture, and livestock. While nations have longendeavored to reduce and eliminate CWAs, the production, stockpiling,and use of CWAs continues.

Efforts to curb the production and proliferation of CWAs throughtreaties such as the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) have led to thedestruction and reduced availability of CWA stockpiles throughout theworld. In response, terrorists or other wrongdoers may improvise withToxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs) for use in chemical attacks.

Unlike CWAs, TICs are not intended for use as weapons. TICs may beemployed for beneficial purposes and may have everyday use in manyindustrial processes. Nevertheless, exposure to significant amounts ofTICs may cause injury or death. Additionally, industrial accidents maycause the release of TICs, which may injure or kill workers, firstresponders, and members of the public.

Chemical sampling may be used to identify CWAs and TICs. Typically, asample from an area known or suspected to be affected by CWAs and TICsmay be taken and stored in a container such as a passivated canister.The container may be transported to a laboratory or another facility foranalysis of the sample. The sample may be extracted from the containerand analyzed with an analytical instrument such as a gaschromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) to determine the presence ofCWAs, TICs, or both.

The present application appreciates that collection, retention, custody,and control of a chemical sample may be a challenging endeavor, SUMMARY

Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for effective,tamper-resistant collection and retention of a chemical sample.

In one embodiment, a tamper-resistant system for chemical sampling isprovided. The system may include a container. The container may beoperable to collect and retain a chemical sample. The system may includea tamper-resistant mechanism. The tamper-resistant mechanism may beoperable to disengage at a first chemical sampling event to allowcollection of a chemical sample after disengagement. Thetamper-resistant mechanism may be operable to record one or more of: acollection date, a collection time, and a collection location of thechemical sample. The tamper-resistant mechanism may be operable tore-engage and lock to resist subsequent chemical sampling events afterthe first chemical sampling.

In another embodiment, a tamper-resistant apparatus for chemicalsampling is provided. The apparatus may include (I) a stainless steelcanister for retaining a chemical sample. The stainless steel canistermay include an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface mayinclude a surface treatment to provide one or more of: an increasedfriction between the outer surface and another surface and a mark-ablesurface to accept and retain a marking. The inner surface may bepassivated effective to reduce a chemical reactivity between thestainless steel canister and the chemical sample.

The apparatus may also include (2) a tamper-resistant mechanism. Thetamper-resistant mechanism may be operable to one or more of: collectthe chemical sample, retain the chemical sample, and render the chemicalsample tamper-resistant. The tamper-resistant mechanism may include aslide lock. The slide lock may be operable to resist rotation of a twistmechanism. The tamper-resistant mechanism may include the twistmechanism. The twist mechanism may be operable to rotate from a closedposition to an open position. The open position of the twist mechanismmay be effective to permit passage of the chemical sample into aninterior of the stainless steel canister through a calibrated orifice.The tamper-resistant mechanism may include an electronic device operableto generate a first DTG data associated with a collection time of thechemical sample. The tamper-resistant mechanism may include a GPSdevice. The GPS device may be operable to acquire a GPS satellite signaland generate a global coordinate data associated with a location of thechemical sample. The GPS device may be operable to assign and record asecond DTG data associated with an acquisition time of the GPS satellitesignal by the GPS. The GPS device may be operable to record one or moreattempt DTG data associated with a time for each attempt by the GPSdevice to acquire the GPS satellite signal. The tamper-resistantmechanism may include a temperature sensor to sense and recordtemperature data from the interior of the stainless steel canister. Thetamper-resistant mechanism may include a memory. The memory may beoperable to store one or more of: the first DTG data, the globalcoordinate data, the second DTG data, the attempt DTG data, chemicaldata associated with a chemical sample detected by a chemical detectoron a chip, the temperature data, and a fault code; an RFID deviceoperable to wirelessly transfer the first DTG data, the globalcoordinate data, the second DTG data, the attempt DTG data, the chemicaldata, the temperature data, and the fault code, stored on the memory toa laboratory interface. The apparatus may also include (3) an extractoroperatively connected to the calibrated orifice. The extractor may beoperable to extract one or more analytes from the chemical sample foranalysis. The extractor may include one or more of: a SPME fiber, aglass tube, a chemical detector on chip, a polymer, and a sorbent.

In another embodiment, a method of chemical sampling using atamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus is provided. The method mayinclude removing the tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus from apackaging. The method may include turning a twist mechanism on thetamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus to an open positioneffective to allow a chemical sample to be collected into thetamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus through a calibratedorifice. The method may include leaving the twist mechanism in the openposition for a period of time effective to collect the chemical samplethrough the calibrated orifice and into the tamper-resistant chemicalsampling apparatus. The method may include turning the twist mechanismon the tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus to a closed positionafter collecting the chemical sample to retain the chemical samplewithin the tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus. The method mayinclude locking the twist mechanism into a locked position to resist thetwist mechanism from turning. The method may include examining GPSindicator lights after closing and locking the twist mechanism todetermine acquisition of a GPS satellite signal and recordation of a GPScoordinate. The method may include sealing the tamper-resistant chemicalsampling apparatus back into the packaging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate various example systems, methods,and results, and are used merely to illustrate various exampleembodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example chemical sampling container.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example chemical sampling system.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example chemical sampling system.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example chemical sampling system.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example chemical sampling system.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example tamper-resistant chemical sampling system.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example tamper-resistant chemical sampling system.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example tamper-resistant chemical sampling system.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example tamper-resistant chemical sampling system.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example tamper-resistant chemical sampling system.

FIG. 9 illustrates an electronic schematic of an exampletamper-resistant chemical sampling system.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an example method for tamper-resistantchemical sampling.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an example method for tamper-resistantchemical sampling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments claimed herein disclose methods, systems, and apparatusesfor a tamper-resistant collection, retention, custody, and control of achemical sample.

FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B illustrate systems and apparatuses forchemical sampling. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a chemical sampleapparatus 100. Chemical sample apparatus 100 may include a canister 102,e.g., for storing a chemical sample. Chemical sample apparatus 100 mayinclude a valve 104, e.g., to control a passage of a chemical sampleinto and out of canister 102.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate mounting platforms 206 and 208 that may beused in conjunction with one or more chemical sample apparatuses 100.With reference to FIG. 2A, mounting platform 206 may be mounted to avehicle. Chemical sample apparatuses 100 may be reversibly mounted to ahousing 218 of vehicle mounting platform 206, e.g., to be secured tohousing 218 in various orientations. Vehicle mounting platform 206 mayinclude a control interface 210 for semi-automatic chemical sampling.Control interface 210 may include hardware 212 to initiate a chemicalsampling event. Hardware 212 may include a button, switch, and the like.Actuation of hardware 212 may initiate a chemical sampling event.Control interface 210 may further include one or more indicators, suchas light 214. e.g., to provide a visual indication that vehicle mountingplatform 206 is powered, operable, and the like. One or more indicatorssuch as lights 215 may be provided on control interface 210 to provide auser with a status indication of chemical sample apparatus 100 onvehicle mounting platform 206. Hardware 216 may be actuated to resetalone or more, e.g., all, control functions on control interface 210.Vehicle mounting platform 206 may include door 220. Door 220 may beused, e.g., to enclose chemical sample apparatuses 100 within housing218, e.g., to restrict access to chemical sample apparatus 100. Forexample, door 220 may lock to restrict access to chemical sampleapparatus 100.

Referring to FIG. 2B, mounting platform 208 may be mounted to or withina fixed location, such as a building, a bridge, a tunnel, and the like.Building mounting platform 208 may be operated similarly to vehiclemounting platform 206.

FIG. 3A illustrates a robotic mounting platform 322. Chemical sampleapparatus 100 may be adapted to be mounted on a remote controlled orrobotic device 324. Robotic device 324 may include carriage 326 to mountchemical sample apparatus 100 to robotic device 324. As shown in FIG.3B, carriage 326 may be used, e.g., to position chemical sampleapparatus 100 in a suitable chemical sampling position. Carriage 326 mayfixedly retain chemical sample apparatus 100. e.g., for use in ruggedterrain and conditions. Carriage 326 may provide selective removabilityof each chemical sample apparatus 100 from carriage 326.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example tamper-resistant chemical samplingapparatus 400. Tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 mayinclude, for example, one or more of: a container portion 402, a valvemechanism 428, a calibrated orifice 430, and a GPS device 440. Containerportion 402 may be operable to collect and retain a chemical sample.Valve mechanism 428 may be operatively connected, e.g., to one or bothof calibrated orifice 430 and container portion 402. Valve mechanism 428may be operable to control a flow of a chemical sample, e.g., throughcalibrated orifice 430 into container portion 402.

In various embodiments, container portion 402 may be a passivatedstainless steel canister for collecting and retaining a chemical sample.Container portion 402 may include any durable, rugged material such as ametal, ceramic, glass, a polymeric material, plastic, combinationsthereof, and the like. For example, container portion 402 may include amaterial rugged enough to withstand a drop from at least about 6.5 feet(about 2 meters) in height without affecting desired operationalcharacteristics of container portion 402, such as retention of achemical sample and operation of tamper-resistant chemical samplingapparatus 400. For example, container 402 may be operable to withstand adrop shock sustained from a fall of at least about 2 meterscorresponding to an impact shock between container 402 and a concreteground surface with, e.g., a compressive force of greater than 15 MPa.For example, container 402 may resist breakage, e.g., being operable toretain a previously collected chemical sample. Further, for example,after such a drop shock, container 402 may remain operable to collect achemical sample. Further, for example, container portion 402 may becapable of of withstanding repeated drops at heights of at least about6.5 feet (about 2 meters) without affecting operation oftamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400.

In various embodiments, container portion 402 may include a nonreactivematerial configured to resist reaction with a collected chemical sampleand/or resist tainting the collected chemical sample. Further, forexample, an interior of container portion 402 may be passivated with acoating or manufacturing process to resist unwanted reactions fromoccurring between a material of container portion 402 and a chemicalsample contained therein.

In some examples, an exterior surface 438 of container portion 402 maybe treated with a surface treatment, e.g., to increase a friction ofexterior surface 438 to provide an increased friction between exteriorsurface 438 and another surface, e.g. with a glove surface for gripping.For example, exterior surface 438 may include a friction coating toassist and/or increase a user's grip of tamper-resistant chemicalsampling apparatus 400, e.g., to resist slippage during chemicalsampling. Further, for example, a surface treatment of exterior surface438 may permit a user to write on exterior surface 438 oftamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 with one or more of: aninked-based marking, a pigment based marking, a paint-based marking, agraphite or charcoal-based marking, a wax-based marking, an abrasive.e.g., engraving-based marking, an impact based marking, and the like.For example, a surface treatment may provide for a variety ofmineral-based or chemical-based writing instruments to mark exteriorsurface 438. A surface treatment that provides for marking of exteriorsurface 438 may be further operable to retain the mark on exteriorsurface 438. A surface treatment may allow for an abrasive, e.g.,scratching instrument or engraving instrument to remove the surfacetreatment to provide a marking that may be retained on exterior surface438. Surface treatment of exterior surface 438 may be realized using anabrasive treatment such as media blasting, sand blasting, sanding, andthe like; a chemical treatment or coating such as one or more of:phosphating (Parkerizing), ferritic nitrocarberizing, anodizing,polymeric coating, epoxy coating, powder coating, and the like. Surfacetreatment to provide an enhanced grip and writing surface may also berealized using paint, other chemical treatment, chemical coating,chemical etching, tooling, or be effectuated in the manufacturingprocess of container portion 402.

Container portion 402 may allow for collection of both volatile chemicalvapor samples and nonvolatile chemical samples, solids, liquids, andgases. Tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 may also beadapted to collect and retain samples such as biological, isotopic,radiological, fissile, and the like. For example, an interior ofcontainer portion 402 may be operatively connected to calibrated orifice430.

With reference to FIG. 7, interior 746 of container portion 402 may beconnected to calibrated orifice 430 by a chemical sample collector 748that may assist in drawing a chemical sample through calibrated orifice430, e.g., for collection and retention in interior 746 of container402. For example, chemical sample collector 748 may include asolid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) fiber to assist in collecting achemical sample. SPME fiber 748 may be coated with a liquid sorbent,polymer sorbent, a solid sorbent such as a zeolite, and the like. Suchsorbent extracting phases may be employed to extract different types ofvolatile and nonvolatile chemical samples. For example, chemical samplecollector 748 may include a sorbent tube. Sorbent tube 748 may include asorbent such as activated charcoal, silica gel, an organic polymer, aresin, e.g., TENAX® resin (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.), an organicpolymer AMBERLITE® XAD resin (Dow, Midland Mich.), and the like.

Referring to FIG. 8, a chemical detector on a chip 850 may be usedduring collection of chemical samples. Chemical detector on a chip 850may be used, e.g., to detect a presence of a chemical, e.g., a vapor.For example, chemical detector on a chip 850 may be used to detectchemical samples as a fraction of moles/mass in units such as parts permillion (ppm), parts per billion (ppb), parts per trillion (ppt), andthe like. Chemical detector on a chip 850 may provide a concentration ofa target chemical in terms of weight by volume, such as mg/m³. Chemicaldetector on a chip 850 may include one or more of memory and processorfunctionality such that different chemical profiles may be stored andcross referenced for detection and identification by chemical detectoron a chip 850. Chemical detector on a chip 850 may detect a presence ofone or more CWAs or TICs, as described below.

For example, chemical detector on a chip 850 may be configured to detecta presence of CWA vesicants. Vesicants (blister agents) may causechemical burning and blistering, and may affect the skin, eyes, muscles,and the like. Vesicants may include, for example: phosgene oxime (CX);ethyldichloroarsine (ED); methyldichloroarsine (PD); lewisite (L);mustard gas (e.g., in variants H, HD, HT, HL, and HQ); nitrogen mustard(HN); and the like.

Chemical detector on a chip 850 may be configured to detect a presenceof CWA nerve agents. Nerve agents may include organophosphates that maydisrupt the nervous system, cause organ failure, and the like. Nerveagents may include, for example: tabun (GA); sarin (GB); soman (GD);cyclosarin (GF); V-Agents (e.g., variants such as EA-3148, VE, VG, VM,VRm, and VX); Novichok agents, and the like.

In another embodiment, chemical detector on a chip 850 may detect apresence of blood agents. Blood agents may be, for example, cyanidebased, arsenic based, and the like, and may poison an organism's blood.Blood agents may be potentially lethal. Blood agents may appear both asCWAs and TICs. Blood agents may include, for example: hydrogen cyanide(AC); cyanogen ((CN)₂); cyanogen chloride (CK); cyanogen bromide (CNBr);arsine (AsH₃); vinyl arsine; phosgene (CG); sodium cyanide (NaCN);potassium cyanide (KCN); carbon monoxide (CO); and the like.

Chemical detector on a chip 850 may be configured to detect a presenceof choking agents and/or lachrymators. Choking agents may affect ananimal's ability to breathe. Lachrymators, e.g., tear gas, may causetearing and may obstruct vision. Choking agents may be both CWAs andTICs. Choking agents and lachrymators may include, for example: chlorinegas (Cl); chloropicrine (PS); diphosgene (DP): phosgene (CO): disulfurdecafluoride (S₂F₁₀); perfluoroisobutane (PFIB); acrolein;diphenylcyanoarsine, acid vapors; tear gas; capsaicin and otherbiological irritants; and the like.

Chemical detector on a chip 850 may detect a presence of numerous toxicindustrial chemicals (TICs) that may be improvised into a harmfulchemical device. A non-limiting example of TICs may include one or moreof: ammonia (NH), chlorine (Cl₂), fluorine (F₂), formaldehyde (CH₂O),hydrogen bromide (HBr), hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen fluoride (HF)hydrogen cyanide (AC), nitric acid (HNO₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂),phosgene (CG), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), sulfurdioxide (SO₂), and the like.

CWAs and TICs may be collected for analysis by chemical detector on achip 850 and/or retained by chemical sample collector 748 withininterior 746 of container portion 402, e.g., for later analysis in alaboratory environment. For example, tamper-resistant chemical samplingapparatus 400 may include both chemical detector on a chip 850 andchemical sample collector 748, e.g., for collecting and retaining achemical sample within interior 746 of container portion 402.

Tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 may be operable tocollect and retain any of the above referenced CWAs and TICs. BecauseCWAs and TICs may be inhaled through the respiratory system, absorbedthrough skin and mucus membranes, and the like, chemical sampling mayrequire users to wear protective garments when taking a chemical samplewith tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400. Components oftamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 may be adapted suchthat users wearing protecting clothing may easily operate chemicalsampling apparatus 400. For example, tamper-resistant chemical samplingapparatus 400 may be adapted for use with military Mission OrientProtective Posture (MOPP) protective gear. Protective gear may includeuse of one or more of protective masks, gas masks, goggles, shields,respirators (e.g., self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)),over-garments, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) suits,Hazmat suits, gloves, other common chemical protection, and the like.

Container portion 402 may be insulated. All or portions of containerportion 402 may be insulated to stabilize a temperature of interior 746of container portion 402, e.g., to provide a temperature-stabilizedcollection and storage environment for a chemical sample. For example,temperature variations may affect the lifetime of chemical samplesstored in container portion 402. For example, surface chemistryreactions may occur between a chemical sample and a sorbent during acollection of a chemical sample. Insulating container portion 402 maymitigate or eliminate temperature-varying effects during collection andretention a chemical sample. Insulating container portion 402 may alsoprotect interior 746 of container 402 from extreme temperatures outsideof container 402 to eliminate or mitigate temperature-varying effectsthat external extreme temperatures may cause during a collection andretention of a chemical sample. For example, container 402 may includeas insulation one or more of a mineral wool, a fiberglass, a glass wool,a cellulose, a rock wool, a polystyrene foam, a urethane foam, avermiculite, a perlite, a cork, an aerogel or xerogel, an evacuatedvacuum portion, a heat reflecting surface coating, and the like.

Tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 may be smaller thanprevious generation chemical sampling apparatuses. In one embodiment,tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 may be about or lessthan about than 8.5 inches (21.59 cm) in length, 1.75 inches (4.45 cm)in diameter, 0.5 pounds (1.1 kg), and the like. One or moretamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatuses 400 may easily be carriedby and on a user.

With reference to FIG. 4, example tamper-resistant chemical samplingapparatus 400 may include one or more tamper-resistant componentsoperable to resist tampering with a chemical sample. Such anti-tamperingcomponents may be unknown and/or invisible to a user taking a chemicalsample.

For example, valve mechanism 428 may include one or more components toprovide tamper-resistance to tamper-resistant chemical samplingapparatus 400. Valve mechanism 428 may be connected to one or moreinternal electrical components on tamper-resistant chemical samplingapparatus 400. Valve mechanism 428 may be connected to one or moredevices that generates one or more DTG data, associated with a positionof valve mechanism 428. For example, DTG data may be generated whenvalve mechanism 428 may be in an open position to collect a chemicalsample. DTG data may include a prescribed format such as year, month,day, hour, minute, time zone, and the like. One or more DTG data may begenerated by different events such as once during an opening of valvemechanism 428, once during a closing of valve mechanism 428, to indicatea time and date for each of a start and finish of a chemical sample, andthe like. For example, one DTG data may be generated to indicate anelapsed rime of a chemical sample. DTG data may be used, for example, toindicate chemical sampling tampering. For example, when DTG dataindicates that valve mechanism 428 has remained in an open position foran extended period of time greater than a desired length of time, e.g.,greater than about 5 seconds, or opened multiple times during a giveninterval, a suspicion of chemical sample tampering may be indicated.

Valve mechanism 428 may further include an indicator 434 to indicate aposition of valve mechanism 428, e.g., to resist tampering with acollected chemical sample. With reference to FIG. 5, indicator 434 maybe visible through indicator window 435. Indicator 434 may include text,graphics, colors, lights, audible cues, tactile cures, and the like toprovide a user with an indication of a position of valve mechanism 428.For example, indicator 434 may include text such as “OPEN,” “CLOSED,”and “LOCKED” to indicate a corresponding position or status of valvemechanism 428. Further, for example, indicator 434 may use colors suchas green and red to indicate an open and closed position of valvemechanism 428, respectively. Indicator 434 may use a picture or graphicto indicate a position of valve mechanism 428, a sampling status oftamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400, such as using an “X”to indicate a closed position, an “O” to indicate an open position, andthe like. Indicator 434 may include one or more lighting devices such asLEDs operable to display more than one color to indicate a samplingstatus of tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 or positionof valve mechanism 428. For example, an RGB LED may be used to displayboth red and green color lighting on a single LED to indicate differentcolor status indicators, indicator 434 may be sufficiently noticeable toa user wearing one or more articles of protective clothing such asmasks, goggles, glasses, shields, and the like. For example, indicator434 may be visible through indicator window 435 for certain positions ofvalve mechanism 428 (e.g., displaying “OPEN” when valve mechanism 428 isin an open position).

Referring again to FIG. 4, valve mechanism 428 may further includelocking mechanism 436 to resist actuation of valve mechanism 428.Locking mechanism 436 may be a slide lock operable to resist rotationand actuation of valve mechanism 428. Slide lock 436 may be operable toengage one or more of slot 437 and indicator window 435 to resistrotation of valve mechanism 428. Slide lock 436 may be linearly actuatedfrom an unlocked position to a locked position engaging slot 437 toresist actuation of valve mechanism 428. Locking mechanism 436 mayinclude a compression spring (not shown) to vary a position of lockingmechanism 436 relative to container portion 402 such that lockingmechanism 436 may need to be depressed into container portion such thatslot 437 does not catch on locking mechanism 436. Valve mechanism may beallowed to rotate once slot 437 has been disengaged from lockingmechanism 436. A spring force may be used to automatically returnlocking mechanism 436 to an engaged position when slot 437 may bealigned relative to locking mechanism 436 such that locking mechanism436 springs into place, engages slot 437, and resists rotation of valvemechanism 428. Locking mechanism 436 may be a simple device withrelatively few components, such as a simple mechanical lock, or acomplicated device that may interface with other components such as aprocessor and sensor configured to provide an electro-mechanical lock.Locking mechanism 436 may resist unauthorized or unwanted chemicalsampling by controlling a position of valve mechanism 428. Lockingmechanism 436 may allow for a single actuation of valve mechanism 428and may provide a single chemical sample to be taken by tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus 400. Locking mechanism 436 may be disengagedby a user taking a chemical sample. For example, once engaged aftertaking a chemical sample, locking mechanism 436 may be capable of beingdisengaged by laboratory or other qualified personnel during analysis ofa collected chemical sample. Locking mechanism 436 may be tailoredspecifically to an appropriate level of tamper-resistance depending onthe intended use of tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400.For example, a substantial level of tamper resistance may be regarded aseffectively “tamper-proof” for some applications. Locking mechanism 436may be operatively connected with chemical detector on a chip 850 suchthat detection of specific chemicals may cause a locking of valvemechanism 428 relative to locking mechanism 436 after a chemical samplemay be collected.

Valve mechanism 428 may be designed to assist in tamper-resistance oftamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400. Valve mechanism 428may include a twisting mechanism configured to cause a user to exert asignificant amount of torque in order to change a position of valvemechanism 428. Valve mechanism 428 may use a linear actuation (e.g.push/pull in a direction of the longitudinal axis) to change a positionof valve mechanism 428 prior to twisting valve mechanism 428 to collecta chemical sample. For example, a user may twist valve mechanism 428 aquarter turn to change a position of valve mechanism 428 from opened toclosed and vice-versa. Valve mechanism 428 may include a mechanicaldevice such as a torsion spring or coil spring to bias a rotationalposition of valve mechanism 428, e.g., to a preferred position such asclosed. Valve mechanism 428 may cause a user to assert an additionalrotational force to change a position of valve mechanism 428 beforevalve mechanism 428 may be opened to collect a chemical sample. Valvemechanism 428 may use one or more mechanical devices and directionalforces to resist unwanted opening. For example, valve mechanism 428 maybe biased with a coil spring to bias valve mechanism 428 on lockingmechanism 436. For example, a user may be caused to exert enough forceon valve mechanism 428 to disengage locking mechanism 436 and may befurther caused to twist valve mechanism a quarter turn to an openposition for chemical sampling. For example, absent any force from auser, valve mechanism 428 may automatically return to a closed andlocked position after taking a chemical sample.

Valve mechanism 428 may include case of use hardware such as raised tabsand fins 432 to assist a user in changing positions of valve mechanism428 while wearing protective clothing and gear. For example, valvemechanism 428 may be a twist mechanism and valve mechanism 428 mayemploy hardware similar to one or more of: a fluted knob, a spoked knob,a winged knob, a tee knob, a skirted knob, a scalloped knob, an armedknob, a lobed knob, and the like, to assist a user with rotation ofvalve mechanism 428.

Tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 may also include GPSdevice 440 to assist in tamper-resistance. As used herein, GPS deviceneed not be limited to those navigation devices operable to receive GPSsatellite signals from satellites operated by the U.S. Air Force SpaceCommand (AFSPC). For example, GPS device 440 may refer to anyspace-based satellite navigation system, or terrestrial navigationsystems, including but not limited to: GPS generally, GPS Block HA, GPSBlock IIF. GPS Block IIIA, GLONASS, GNSS, IRNSS, BDS, other regionalsatellite navigation systems, VOR, RDF, GPS2SMS, MLAT, and the like. GPSdevice 440 may be operable to receive a GPS satellite signal to providea global coordinate position to indicate a collection location, date,and collection time of a chemical sample. GPS device 440 may be operableto acquire GPS signals from iGPS satellites and generate a globalcoordinate of a location of a chemical sample based on GPS signals fromGPS satellites. For example, a global coordinate position may beautomatically generated by GPS device 440 during a collection of achemical sample. For example, GPS device 440 may be operativelyconnected with valve mechanism 428 such that a global coordinate may beautomatically generated during actuation of valve mechanism 428.Further, for example, when a GPS signal between GPS device 440 and GPSsatellite cannot be established, GPS device 440 may automatically pollone or more GPS satellites at regular or intermittent intervals until aOPS satellite signal may be received and a global coordinate may begenerated, GPS device 440 may be operable to generate one or more DTGdata associated with one or more of: collection time of a chemicalsample, collection duration of chemical sample acquisition of globalcoordinate associated with a location of a chemical sample; attempts atestablishing a global coordinate associated with a location of achemical sample, error codes; tampering attempts; transfer of data fromtamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 to an external device;and like events. GPS device 440 may help to positively correlate analleged location of a CWA and TIC event to a chemical sample location.For example, a chemical weapons attack may be alleged at one location,but a chemical sample showing use of CWAs may have been generated in alaboratory for propaganda purposes to sway public opinion or promptforeign military intervention. GPS device 440 may ensure that a chemicalsample location matches a location of an alleged use of CWAs and TICs.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an example GPS device 440 is illustrated. GPSdevice 440 may include indicator lights 642 to indicate a functionalityof GPS device 440. Indicator lights 642 may use different indicatorssuch as blinking lights, continuous lights, and lights of differentcolors to indicate the functionality of GPS device 440. For example,lights 642 may be red if no GPS signal has been acquired, and green if aGPS signal has been acquired. Lights 642 may blink if no GPS signal hasbeen acquired and may, for example, remain continuously lit once a GPSsignal has been acquired. Lights 642 may be, for example, an LED typelight operable to output one or more colors. GPS device 440 may alsoinclude functionality to provide for manual acquisition of a GPS signal.For example, GPS button 644 may be provided to provide manualacquisition of a GPS signal. For example, a user may press GPS button644 after taking a chemical sample to establish a global coordinate fora chemical sample location. If a global coordinate is not automaticallyacquired from a satellite signal by GPS device 440, indicator lights 642may prompt a user to repeatedly push GPS button 644 until a globalcoordinate data may be established. For example, a chemical sample maybe taken indoors and GPS device 440 may be prevented from receiving GPSsatellite signals to establish global coordinate data related to achemical sample location. For example, lights 642 may indicate thatglobal coordinate data has not been generated, and may cause a user tomove to another location to receive a GPS satellite signal. A user maythen manually attempt to establish a connection between GPS device 440and a GPS satellite by pressing GPS button 644. Accordingly, globalcoordinate data relatively close to a chemical sample location (i.e.immediately outdoors from an indoor sample location) may not raisetampering suspicion. By contrast, in some examples, a global coordinatedata relatively attenuated from a collection location and collectiontime of an alleged chemical sample may raise a suspicion of chemicalsample tampering.

Referring to FIG. 9, an example electronic schematic 952 of internalelectronic components of tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus400 is illustrated. Tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 mayinclude electronic components such as GPS receiver 954,transmitting/receiving device 956, chemical detector on a chip 850, oneor more other sensors 958, processor 960, one or more memory devices962, power source 964, timing chip 966, and the like. Electroniccomponents may be operatively connected to one another using connection968, e.g., to provide hardwired or wireless connection for electroniccomponents. Connection 968 may use wires, printed circuit board (PCB)traces, a bus system such as I²C, and other conductive pathways capableof transmitting electrical signals to interconnect electroniccomponents. Electronic components may be interconnected separateassemblies, or one assembly. Electronic components may be potted orencapsulated to further minimize environmental effects and vibration onelectronic components.

GPS receiver 954 may be operable to receive a GPS satellite signal andgenerate a global coordinate data in a format common to location andglobal positioning (e.g. decimal degrees (DD) of latitude and longitude,degrees, minutes, and seconds (DMS) of latitude and longitude, and thelike). GPS receiver 954 may be further operable to attempt to acquireand receive a GPS satellite signal to generate global coordinate datawhen GPS button 644 on GPS device 440 is depressed. For example, GPSreceiver 954 may be an integrated circuit that includes an antenna.Tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 may, for example, use adedicated antenna (not shown) for receiving a GPS satellite signalseparate from GPS receiver 954.

Transmitting/receiving device 956 may be used to establish a wirelessconnection between tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 andan external device such as a computer, or other hardware configured towirelessly download data stored in one or more memory devices 962.Transmitting/receiving device 956 may include one or more of: atransmitting/receiving device, a transmitting device alone, or areceiving device alone. Transmitting receiving device 956 may be, forexample, a transmitter. Transmitting/receiving device 956 may be areceiver. Transmitting/receiving device 956 may be a transceiver.Transmitting/receiving device 956 may be a transponder. For example,transponder 956 may include a RFID transponder (RFID device) operable towirelessly transmit data acquired during a chemical sample to anexternal device such as a laboratory computer. Use of RFID transponder956 may resist data tampering by allowing read only access to datastored on tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400. RFIDtransponder 956 may be operable to both wirelessly transmit and receiveradio signals. In Transmitting/receiving device 956 may include anintegrated circuit that includes a built-in antenna. Tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus 400 may include a dedicated antenna (notshown) wholly separate from transmitting/receiving device 956, and maybe used to wirelessly transmit data acquired during a chemical sample toan external device such as a laboratory computer.

Chemical detector on a chip 850 may interconnect with other electroniccomponents of tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 toprovide enhanced operability. For example, detection of a specificchemical sample by chemical detector on a chip 850 may automaticallytrigger a DTG data event associated with a chemical sample collectiontime, and generation of a global coordinate associated with a collectionlocation of the chemical sample. Chemical detector on a chip 850 mayidentify chemical components and store data related to one or morechemical components detected during a chemical sample. For example,chemical detector on a chip 850 may be able to identify a CWA in amass/mole fraction in units of parts per billion, while also indicatinga presence and amount of diesel exhaust in a chemical sample. Chemicaldetector on a chip 850 may compare a concentration of a CWA/TIC chemicalsample against a known critical exposure concentration and may provide auser with an indication of critical exposure levels. Chemical detectoron a chip 850 may include one or both of humidity and temperaturesensing capabilities. Chemical detector on a chip 850 may recordrelative humidity and temperature data when detecting and recordingchemical sample data.

For example, humidity and/or temperature may cause degradation over timeof captured chemical samples, Humidity and/or temperature data may beused in combination with known decomposition rates of chemicals ofinterest to retroactively determine an original concentration of achemical in a chemical sample at the time of sampling. For example, asample may be taken and stored in the canister for a period of time atelevated temperature. The sample may degrade over time, leaving a lowerconcentration of the chemical by the time the sample canister may bereturned for analysis. By knowing a decomposition rate of the chemicalas a function of humidity and/or temperature, and modeling using therecorded humidity and/or temperature history, one may retroactivelydetermine an original concentration of a chemical in a chemical sampleat the time of sampling.

One or more other sensors 958 may be used to provide additionalfunctionality to tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400. Forexample, sensor 958 may be an accelerometer or shock sensor to providedata related to one or more drops/falls of tamper-resistant chemicalsampling apparatus 400. Sensor 958 may indicate a frequency and/orseverity of drops to indicate possible negative effects on art integrityof a chemical sample. Sensor 958 may include a humidity sensor thatrecords relative humidity at a collection time of a chemical sample.Such a relative humidity sensor may take a relative humidity sample ofone or more oft a relative humidity (RH) in an environment outsidetamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400, an RH from insidetamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 where a chemical samplemay be stored, or both. Sensor 958 may be a temperature sensor thatrecords a temperature of one or more of, an environment outsidetamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400, insidetamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 where a chemical samplemay be stored, or both. Other sensors may include sensors related totampering detection, and position sensors to indicate a position ofvalve mechanism 428. For example, tampering detection sensor 958 maysense and store data if an attempt to collect more than onetamper-resistant chemical sampling occurs. Further, for example,position sensor 958 may sense a position of valve mechanism 428 andpower up/power down other components based on a position of valvemechanism 428. Switch 970 may be used, e.g., as an on/off switch forproviding power to electronic components. Switch 970 may be operativelyconnected to valve mechanism 428 such that a position of valve mechanism428 may actuate switch 970. Switch 970 may be a cam switch that may beactuated by rotation of valve mechanism 428. Switch 970 may include acombination of valve mechanism 428 and locking mechanism 436. Valvemechanism 428 and locking mechanism 436 in combination may act as eithera normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO) contact, such thatdisengaging valve mechanism 428 from locking mechanism 436, or engagingvalve mechanism 428 to locking mechanism 436, may turn electroniccomponents on or off depending on a position and contact of valvemechanism 428 relative to locking mechanism 436.

A processor 960 may be used to provide programmable functionality totamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400. Processor 960 may be aCPU. Processor 960 may be a microprocessor or microcontroller. Processor960 may execute programs to perform functions related to chemicalsampling and may coordinate interconnection between different electroniccomponents of tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400. Aninstruction set or software may be stored on memory 962 and executed byprocessor 962 to perform one or more acts of a method for collecting achemical sample.

Memory 962 may be used to store: programs to be executed by processor960; chemical data profiles for chemical detector on a chip 850; anddata generated during a chemical sampling, including, but not limitedto: collection time of a chemical sample, GPS location of a chemicalsample, acquisition time of GPS satellite signal, attempt time for eachattempt of acquiring a GPS satellite signal, chemical on chip datarelated to a collected chemical sample, temperature history data,relative humidity history data, and the like. Memory 962 may be anon-volatile memory such as flash memory or a volatile memory such asRAM.

Power source 964 may be used to provide electrical energy to electroniccomponents to operate electronic components during use oftamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400. Power source may be abattery such as a primary, single use disposable battery, orrechargeable battery, with both battery types operable to convert storedchemical energy to electrical energy to power electronic components.Power source 964 may be, for example a rechargeable battery operable tobe charged via inductive charging. Power source 964 may be, for example,a lithium coin cell 3V battery. Power source 964 may additionallyinclude a crank dynamo that may be cranked to generate power that may beused to power tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400, storedin batteries 964, and the like. One or more converters 972 may be usedto convert a voltage level from power source 964 to another voltagelevel for use by an individual electronic component. Converter 972 maybe a buck converter, a boost converter, or a buck-boost converter.Converter 972 may be one of a rectifier, a converter, and an inverteroperable to convert an AC power input to a DC power output (rectifier),a DC power input to a DC power output (converter), an AC power input toan AC power output (converter), or a DC power input to an AC poweroutput (inverter).

A timing chip 966 may be used to provide DTG data independent of DTGdata generated by GPS receiver 954. Timing chip 966 may serve as abackup to DTG data generated by GPS receiver 934. Timing chip 966 may beused to record DTG data for a specific function of tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus 400 (e.g., to record DTG data associatedwith a start, a stop, and a duration of a chemical sample). In oneembodiment, timing chip 966 may be used as a primary hardware forindicating a collection time of a chemical sample.

External electrical components such as lights 642, button 644, powerswitch 970, and indicator 434 may also be interconnected to internalelectronic components via connection 968. Additional components such asdisplay 957 may be used to convey advanced information such as a CWA/TICdetected by detector on a chip 850, a concentration level of CWA/TIC, atime, a temperature, a humidity, a status, and the like. A vibrationmotor 959 may be used to provide a vibrational tactile feedback to auser when using tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400. Avibrational tactile feedback may be used to indicate status, errordetection, successful operation, valve position, satellite signalacquisition (or lack thereof), and the like.

Tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 may be individuallypackaged prior to chemical sampling use. Packaging (not shown) may beused to provide an indication that tamper-resistant chemical samplingapparatus 400 has no prior use. For example, tamper-resistant chemicalsampling apparatus 400 may come in a scaled foil pouch, and a may becaused to open a sealed foil pouch prior to using tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus 400. Scaled foil pouch packaging may also beused as an additional custodial methodology and tamper-resistance duringchemical sampling. For example, a user may need to physically break aseal on a packaging to remove tamper-resistant chemical samplingapparatus 400 from the packaging. After a chemical sampling,tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 may be reinserted intothe packaging and resealed with an adhesive, sticker, indicator, orother hardware to indicate a chemical sample has been made and that thepackaging contains a used tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus400 awaiting further chemical analysis. Packaging, such as a foil pouch,may also serve a decontamination barrier between tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus 400 and a user if an external surface oftamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 may have come intocontact with one or more CWAs and TICs during chemical sampling.

Chemical samples collected by tamper-resistant chemical samplingapparatus 400 may provide for storage of a chemical sample for at least120 hours without any effect on chemical samples. Tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus 400 may retain chemical samples such that anexternal relative humidity and external volatile organic compounds(VOCs) have no effect on chemical samples stored within tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus 400. Storage of tamper-resistant chemicalsampling apparatus 400 containing a chemical sample in temperatures of−60° F. (−51° C.) to 160° F. (71° C.) may have no effect on retentionand identification of chemical samples. Likewise tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus 400 may gather chemical samples attemperatures ranging from 0° F. (18° C.) to 100° F. (38° C.). Vibration,drops at heights of over about 6.5 feet (about 2 m), and decontaminationof external surfaces of tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400may all have no effect of chemical samples stored internally. CWA andTIC chemical samples may not leak, degrade, or affect performance oftamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 during transportation.

Chemical samples may be retained within tamper-resistant chemicalsampling apparatus 400 until chemical samples may be analyzed by alaboratory or other analytical environment. Common chemical analyticaltechniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) may beused to analyze and identify chemical samples. Data associated with acollection and retention of chemical samples may be accessed bylaboratories to verify correct chemical sampling techniques and chemicalsampling location to further tamper-resist chemical samples collectedand retained by tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400.

Tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 may be adapted for useon any or all of platforms illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B.Tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 may be adapted forautomatic and remote operation during use on platforms illustrated inFIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B. For example, tamper-resistant chemicalsampling apparatus 400 may not require an actuation of hardware 212 onvehicle mounting platform 206, but rather tamper-resistant chemicalsampling apparatus may be controlled remotely (e.g., by wireless signal)to initiate collection of a chemical sample. In this way, a user neednot exit a vehicle to collect a chemical sample using tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus 400 on vehicle mounting platform 206. Remoteoperation of tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 on otherplatforms like building mounting platform 208 and robotic mountingplatform 322 may also be possible. Size and shape of tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus 400 may allow for a reduction in size andmaterials used for mounting platforms 206, 208, and 322. For example,door 220 as illustrated in FIG. 2A may not be necessary due totamper-resistance of tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400.Mounting platforms 206, 208, and 322 may hold an increased number oftamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatuses 400 compared to previouschemical sample apparatuses 100, thereby increasing a functionality ofmounting platforms 206, 208, and 322. Chemical sampling apparatus 400may combine with mounting platforms such as 206, 208, and 322 to providea chemical sampling system.

EXAMPLE

Testing of tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 illustratedthat CWA/TIC target analytes were detected under conditionsapproximating real life-sampling and handling. Trace levelconcentrations of varying CWA/TIC compositions were captured intamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatuses 400. Subsequentlaboratory analysis of collected chemical samples provided clear andregular identification of target analytes, thus proving theeffectiveness of tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 ofcollecting and maintaining a chemical sample. Testing used four nerveagents (Sarin GB, Tabun GA, Soman GD, and Cyclosarin OF), a blisteragent (Distilled Mustard HD), and four TICs (Hydrogen Cyanide AC,Cyanogen Chloride CK, Hydrogen Sulfide H₂S, and Sulfur Dioxide SOI). Thechemical samples were exposed to four different environmentalconditions, and later tested to determine the effect of environmentconditions on the viability of maintaining the chemical sample.Environmental conditions included: samples exposed to and collected froma relative humidity (RH) of 30%: samples exposed to and collected froman RH of 80%, samples exposed to and collected from an RH of 30%, andstored for a minimum of 5 days at 100° C., and samples exposed to andcollected from an environment with an additional 1% of diesel exhaust byvolume.

The tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatuses 400 were cleanedaccording to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) canister cleaningmethod used for the EPA TO15 analytical method for volatile organicchemical (VOC) analysis provided in the “Compendium of Methods for theDetermination of Toxic Organic Compounds in Ambient Air—Second Edition”(EPA/625/R-96/010b January 1999). The tamper-resistant chemical samplingapparatuses 400 were evacuated in preparation for sample collections.Air streams containing the chemicals of interest were created either bymixing gases purchased in cylinders, or by generating the requiredchemical vapors from solutions of the chemicals using a jet and plenumapparatus, and mixing the solutions of the chemicals with VOC-free air.An approximate concentration of each target chemical in each gas streamwas verified by direct sampling and analysis of the gas stream. Three400 cm³ samples from each gas stream were collected in three differenttamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatuses 400 for each test. e.g.,3 samples at 30% RH, 3 samples at 80% RH, 3 samples at 30% RH forstorage at 100° C. for a minimum of 5 days, and 3 samples at 30% RH with1% diesel exhaust added. The samples were analyzed using gaschromatography/mass spectrometry (GC MS).

Check marks (✓) in Table 1 indicate consistent detection of the sampleanalyte at concentration levels below the critical exposureconcentration. The critical exposure concentration was adopted from the10 minute Critical Health Effect Levels as provided by the U.S. ArmyPublic Health Command (USAPHC). Technical Guide (TG) 230, EnvironmentalHealth Risk Assessment and Chemical Exposure Guidelines for DeployedMilitary Personnel.

TABLE 1 Chemicals tested, and results of testing Test Conditions AnalyteDetected After Critical Prolonged Analyte Exposure Analyte AnalyteStorage at Detected Analyte Designation Concentration Detected Detected100° C. (Days with Diesel Tested or Formula (mg/m³) (30% RH) (80% RH)Stored) Exhaust Sarin GB 0.22 ✓ ✓  ✓ (19) ✓ Tabun GA 0.22 ✓ ✓ ✓ (7) ✓Serum GD 0.089 ✓ ✓ ✓ (5) ✓ Cyclosarin GF 0.089 ✓ ✓ ✓ (5) ✓ Distilled HD2.5 ✓ ✓ ✓ (7) ✓ Mustard Hydrogen AC 30 ✓ ✓ ✓ (6) ✓ Cyanide Cyanogen CK10 ✓ ✓ ✓ (5) ✓ Chloride Hydrogen H₂S 110 ✓ ✓ ✓ (7) ✓ Sulfide Sulfur SO₂79 ✓ ✓ ✓ (5) ✓ Dioxide

Table 1 provides the findings of tests conducted with the test analytes.The ability of tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus 400 tocollect and maintain the target analytes were verified using testconditions approximating real-life sampling and handling. CWAs/TICs ofinterest were introduced into tamper-resistant chemical samplingapparatuses 400, at low challenge concentrations, and were identifiedwith confidence upon chemical analysis of chemical samples stored intamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatuses 400. The challengeconcentration for the chemicals were lower than the critical exposureconcentrations listed in Table 1, and all of the target analytes wereregularly and clearly identified for each of the four sets of testconditions. Sarin was allowed to remain in three tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatuses 400 at 30% RH and 100° C. for 19 days andwas still detected in samples recovered from all three tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatuses 400. While the diesel exhaust gas mixture,which contained sulfur dioxide (SO₂), added to the presence of sulfurdioxide (SO₂) in the interferent containing samples, the presence ofsulfur dioxide (SO₂) did not interfere with the detection of the othertarget analytes in interferent containing samples. Accordingly, thetesting validated the performance of the tamper-resistant chemicalsampling apparatus 400 for the collection of the CWAs/TICs listed.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example method 1000 for tamper-resistant chemicalsampling. In one embodiment, method 1000 includes: removing atamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus from a protective packaging(1001); turning a twist mechanism on a tamper-resistant chemicalsampling apparatus to an open position to allow a chemical sample to becollected into a tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus through acalibrated orifice (1003); leaving a twist mechanism in an open positionfor a period of time, e.g., about or at least about 5 seconds, tocollect a chemical sample through a calibrated orifice into atamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus (1005); turning a twistmechanism on a tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus to a closedposition after collecting a chemical sample to retain a chemical samplewithin a tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus (1007); locking atwist mechanism into a locked position to resist turning of a twistmechanism (1009), examining a GPS indicator light after closing andlocking a twist mechanism to determine successful acquisition of a GPSsatellite signal, and recordation of a GPS coordinate (1011); andplacing tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus back into apackaging and scaling packaging for transport of tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus to a laboratory or other analysis facility(1013).

If in examining a GPS indicator light to determine acquisition of a GPSsatellite signal and recordation of a GPS coordinate, a user determinesacquisition and recordation were not successful, a user may manuallyactuate a GPS switch to acquire a GPS satellite signal to record GPScoordinate data associated with a collection location of a chemicalsample.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example method 1100 for tamper-resistant chemicalsampling. In one embodiment, method 1100 includes: removing atamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus for a protective packaging(1101); mounting tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus to amounting platform (1103); remotely actuating a valve mechanism on atamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus to an open position toallow a chemical sample to be collected into a tamper-resistant chemicalsampling apparatus through a calibrated orifice (1105); leaving a valvemechanism in an open position for a period of time, e.g., about or atleast about 5 seconds, effective to collect a chemical sample through acalibrated orifice into a tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus(1107); remotely actuating a valve mechanism on a tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus to a closed position after collecting achemical sample to retain a chemical sample within a tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus (1109); ascertaining successful acquisitionand capture of a GPS satellite signal (1111); removing tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus from mounting platform and placingtamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus back into a packaging andsealing packaging for transport of tamper-resistant chemical samplingapparatus to a laboratory or other analysis facility (1113).

Unless specifically stated to the contrary, the numerical parameters setforth in the specification, including the attached claims, areapproximations that may vary depending on the desired properties soughtto be obtained according to the exemplary embodiments. At the veryleast, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine ofequivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter shouldat least be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements.

Furthermore, while the systems, methods, and apparatuses have beenillustrated by describing example embodiments, and while the exampleembodiments have been described and illustrated in considerable detail,it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict, or in any waylimit, the scope of the appended claims to such detail. It is, ofcourse, not possible to describe every conceivable combination ofcomponents or methodologies for purposes of describing the systems,methods, and apparatuses. With the benefit of this application,additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, isnot limited to the specific details and illustrative example andexemplary embodiments shown and described. Accordingly, departures maybe made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe general inventive concept. Thus, this application is intended toembrace alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within thescope of the appended claims. The preceding description is not meant tolimit the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention isto be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include the plural. To the extent that the term“includes” or “including” is employed in the detailed description or theclaims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term“comprising,” as that term is interpreted when employed as atransitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term“or” is employed in the claims (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “Aor B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B, butnot both,” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed.Similarly, when the applicants intend to indicate “one and only one” ofA. B, or C, the applicants will employ the phrase “one and only one.”Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not theexclusive use. Sec Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into”are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended toadditionally mean “on” or “onto.” To the extent that the term“selectively” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intendedto refer to a condition of a component wherein a user of the apparatusmay activate or deactivate the feature or function of the component asis necessary or desired in use of the apparatus. To the extent that theterm “operatively connected” is used in the specification or the claims,it is intended to mean that the identified components are connected in away to perform a designated function. Finally, where the term “about” isused in conjunction with a number, it is intended to include ±10%, ofthe number. In other words, “about 10” may mean from 9 to 11.

What is claimed: 1-37. (canceled)
 38. A method of chemical samplingusing a tamper-resistant chemical sampling system, the methodcomprising: removing a tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus froma packaging; turning a twist mechanism on the tamper-resistant chemicalsampling apparatus to an open position effective to allow a chemicalsample to be collected into the tamper-resistant chemical samplingapparatus through a calibrated orifice; leaving the twist mechanism inthe open position for a period of time effective to collect the chemicalsample through the calibrated orifice and into the tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus; turning the twist mechanism on thetamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus to a closed position aftercollecting the chemical sample effective to retain the chemical samplewithin the tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus; and locking thetwist mechanism into a locked position effective to resist turning ofthe twist mechanism.
 39. The method of claim 38, comprising examiningglobal positioning system (GPS) indicator lights after closing andlocking the twist mechanism to determine acquisition of a GPS satellitesignal and recordation of GPS data.
 40. The method of claim 38,comprising manually actuating a GPS switch to acquire a GPS satellitesignal effective to record the GPS coordinate data associated with thecollection location of the chemical sample.
 41. The method of claim 38,comprising automatically acquiring GPS satellite signal at a fixed orirregular interval.
 42. The method of claim 38, comprising recording oneor more unsuccessful GPS satellite signal acquisition attempts.
 43. Themethod of claim 38, comprising collecting the chemical sample throughthe calibrated orifice on the twist mechanism.
 44. The method of claim38, comprising mounting the tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatuson a vehicle mounting platform.
 45. The method of claim 38, whereinturning the twist mechanism to the open position comprises remotelyactuating a valve mechanism to a closed position, and turning the twistmechanism to the closed position comprises remotely actuating the valvemechanism to a closed position.
 46. The method of claim 38, comprisinggenerating and recording one or more date-time group (DTG) dataassociated with one or more of: collection time of the chemical sample;collection duration of the chemical sample; acquisition of globalcoordinate associated with the collection location of the chemicalsample; attempts at establishing a global coordinate associated with thecollection location of the chemical sample; error codes; tamperingattempts; transfer of data from the tamper-resistant chemical samplingapparatus to an external device.
 47. The method of claim 38, comprisingactuating a slide lock to allow rotation of the twist mechanism.
 48. Themethod of claim 38, comprising recording at least one of humidity dataand temperature data.
 49. The method of claim 38, comprising storing oneor more of: DTG data and GPS data in a memory of the tamper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus.
 50. The method of claim 49, comprisingwirelessly transferring one or more of the DTG data and the GPS data toa device external to the tamper-resistant chemical sampling apparatus.51. The method of claim 38, comprising: mounting the temper-resistantchemical sampling apparatus to a remote controlled robotic device; andpositioning the robotic device to collect the chemical sample.
 52. Themethod of claim 38, comprising sealing the tamper-resistant chemicalsampling apparatus back into the packaging.